Finding Me

Life

2011-11-04T22:19:00.003-04:00

Sometimes. life it seems, eases off, seems brighter, lighter.

Then it dips and all goes south. I think, really, it's just that not every day can be a sunny day. It's a day, and at that, it's not so bad. Better than not a day. Just not the best day, or strung together, the best month perhaps. Not so bad. Although its seems recently I've just upset everyone, but sometimes one just needs to stand on principal.

Here's hoping the principal isn't misplaced!

Regret

2011-10-27T19:53:00.001-04:00

Bright crimson fills the horizon, stretched out over the dark waters of a restless lake, colliding with the high rises and tower that occupy the shore. A bright, thin, crescent sliver of a moon hangs still in the sky, lurking over the buildings. It's fall, the waters look dark and cold, but above them, the sky is on fire. A brilliant orange horizon spans upwards, fading eventually to meet the fleeing blackness of the night sky. Dawn meets night. Night meets dawn. A new day. Yet I follow the long line of red tail lights leading into the city. An equally long stream of bright white headlights streaming toward me. Another work day.Yet I know, as I take in the sky, the red, the black, the thin white moon, yes I know that I... I am foolish. Foolish as I regret. I regret that I'm not sitting,

cool as the morning is....

that I'm not sitting....

quietly....

sitting...

silently....

with coffee....

by the shore....

drinking all of this in...

just sitting.

I think we often waste life's best moments on misplaced priorities.

....

2011-10-20T23:05:00.001-04:00

< insert crickets here >

Invictus

2010-05-22T21:23:00.000-04:00

by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Pacman turns 30!

2010-05-22T20:10:00.002-04:00

Holy crap, I'm way older than pacman.....

Happy 30th Pacman:

http://www.pacmangame.net/

Odd

2010-05-18T22:43:00.001-04:00

Odd.

This was front page news on the America's section of the BBC World News page:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10123210.stm

but was buried in the finance section at CBC:

http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2010/05/18/forest-agreement.html

Guess the land we live on, the environment and such are not priority one here in Canda. At least, not in the news. Not that this is a an entire solution, and one does wonder about the rules in place for the loggable areas - can they clear cut for example, but it was odd to see the difference in importance, and in the articles themselves, between Canada and England.

I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that.

2010-05-08T09:27:00.002-04:00

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/03/tech-twitter-cows.html

From the news item:

Twitter has been put out to pasture with the addition of 12 Ontario cows to the long list of people who are sharing their thoughts with the world.

What does a cow have to say, you might ask?

"I just squirted 20.4 kgs of milk out of my teats in 10:28 seconds. What did you do today?"

Ummmm. Too much information cows...too much information....

Now, this is really not as hard/fancy as one might think. The cows have RFID tags and there's a robotic milking system. Cows wander in when they need to be milked. System logs things like if the cow wandered in, if it was milked, how much milk, any issues, etc. Of course, all this info is logged by the system to allow the operator to tell what is working and what is not. Someone here has just jazzed up the log entries and is pushing the logs out to the world via a social networking tool.

Why?

I was thinking maybe it would be a way for a farmer to watch over the robotic milking operation while working elsewhere in his/her operation. A better way of course would be something along the same lines, only with the fluff weeded out. A system that tells one when something is wrong and needs action. So a way to text/page the farmer that their attention is needed back at the milking parlour.

In reading the article though - the purpose was to allow the farmers to reconnect with the cows.

Say what? Reconnect?

Oh yes. The robotic milking systems are cutting down the time the farmer spends with the animals. Frees the cow and enslaves the farmer, going by the words in the article, although I must admit I do not see an enslaved farmer nor a freed cow in any of this. By having the robotic milking system TWEET little messages to the farmer the system is reconnecting the farmer with the (now virtual) cow. Yes the framer and the robotic milking system are again one!

Wait - the farmer and the robot? Didn't I mean cow? No. Robot. After all, the robot's sending the messages. Creating the messages. Talking to the farmer via twitter. The farmer and robot are builing a great relationship. The robot telling what's wrong, what's right. The farmer responding and acting on what the robot is telling him/her. There's a whole new religion in here somewhere.

Talking robots. Where does it lead? Guess the people who invent these things never watched 2001 a Space Odyssey.

Or any of the Terminator movies. Maybe Twitter is the start of Skynet!

Or perhaps it was just a slow day in the news ;)

Boobquake

2010-04-26T20:03:00.000-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116336578385346&ref=mf

Just when you thought the world couldn't be any weirder...

http://www.blaghag.com/2010/04/quick-clarification-about-boobquake.html

for those of you who are Facebookless

Earth Day

2010-04-25T08:25:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, this is a pretty good summary of what has happenned with earth day:

http://nonadventures.com/2010/04/24/no-more-mister-nice-gaia/

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2010-04-24T18:31:00.002-04:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8639769.stm

Makes me mad, images like this, although I know I'm not blameless, which makes me even more mad.

Maps

2010-04-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8494225.stm

...the sun is entering a more active phase of it's existence after a quiet one and may cause disruption to GPS devices. Hmmmm. Don't throw away or forget how to read a plain old map just of as yet then!

On the subject of the sun, there is a great picture of the sun and a great video of a solar prominence in this BBC article, for those interested:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8635207.stm

The article is about NASA's brand new Solar Dynamics Observatory. SDO as it's affectionately know by those not wishing to type Solar Dynamics Observatory. It has a Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager. How cool is that?

He said, She said....

2010-04-15T18:57:00.000-04:00

Well, he said, he said in this case, but you get the idea.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/04/15/afghan-translator-allegations-detainees.html

and

http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2010/04/14/olexiuk-afghan-detainees-parliamentary.html

Translater claims of paniced shooting of innocent teen by Canadian military in Afghanistan and transfer of prisoners to Afghan police for interrogation "Afghan Style", at the same time admitting he didn't witness the shooting, doesn't have any evidence at all of anything, then is smeared by parliment. But is any of it true?

I don't know what to beleive in any of this? Anyone? Typically, the truth is somewhere inbetween. In this case, can't say I trust either party, so no idea.

Thinking about it more though, and on my last post, once again I'm hit with the realization that the truth, above all else, likely is the best approach. I know militaries and governments like to tout how advanced they are, and to pretend mistakes aren't, -can't even- be made, but really, people - us - the general populace, need to understand:

where there are guns
where there are armies
where there is war
death will occur

death doesn't care about race
about religion
about creed
about right
about wrong
death innocence

death doesn't care about anything.

So sometimes, the target will turn out to be innocent. A bystander in it all. Mistakes will be made. They just will be. Should it be?

No.

Is it acceptable?

No.

Can it be avoided?

No. What a hard question. Stop fighting and yes, however, one cannot always stop fighting. Sometimes one has to fight, so the circle continues. I hope there is a God. I pray there is. That is the only hope for a good end to all of this.

But gods, peoples gods, their beleifs, differences in these beleifs, fuel the fire, feed the machine, are exploited, to cause harm. To fuel war.

What a place this is, this planet earth!

Maybe it all starts with armies and governments being honest with the people they serve? Honest with themselves? After all, they are at the top. It's all downhill from there. I still think it can't hurt.

Collateral

2010-04-07T20:31:00.001-04:00

http://www.collateralmurder.com/

I think the most disturbing part might be the fact that with all the technology, despite all that technology, the couldn't see the mistake they were making. No, instead they were very happy with the whole thing. Happy to indifferent. Makes one wonder about soldiers, behind technology, how easy it is, how detached one can become. One leads to another, then to another. Seems they didn't much care. On the other side, how could you? It would drive you mad. Still, it seems, armies have a culture of not admitting their mistakes. That, in itself, is very disturbing.

Life

2010-03-27T09:10:00.000-04:00

Things will never be as they were.
How things are is how it is.
Some things are beyond one's control.
Other things are not.
Accept the parts beyond your control.
Control the things you can
Through your choices
To strive for the best is you can.

Yup, no surprise. Life's what you make of it. Try the make the best choices you can. Apply the above to what you will. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, breakup of a family, taxes being raised, babies being born, earth hour, whatever.

Not sure why my mind landed on these thoughts this morning. Just enjoying a cup of coffee and some brilliant sunshine streaming in through my front window. -2 Celcuis, wind from the north and sunny. Being Canadian, it's time to get outside and enjoy it! That's a good start to a spring day. The sun will warm things up to above freezing. Maybe 5 - 8 degrees. Whoo Hoo! Spring.

Overkill?

2010-03-25T21:26:00.000-04:00

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/03/25/tor-hospital-theives-charged.html

Bedside hospital theft draws 237 charges.

Ok, these two guys. heard about them on the radio news. Winners all around. Stealing jewerly from a dying woman. $7000 worth. That's a lot to be wearing on your death bed in a hospital, but I guess, it's the last chance you have to wear it, so why not. 237 charges. Wow. Must be related to a bit more than just this incident then. All around nice guys...

I found the most disturbing part of the article to be this line.

"As the family was filling out a police report, Davis died."

I wonder if they are rethinking their priorities in the moment now?

Oh, great

2010-03-16T19:50:00.002-04:00

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100316/harper_youtube_100316/20100316?hub=TopStoriesV2

Out PM's going to discuss legalizing pot, Afghan detainee issues in parliment..oh, no, wait... on youtube.

Parliment sounds like a good place to discuss detainee issues. Guess it's hard though if one keeps prorogiung it......

Kudos to Sarah Polley

2010-03-03T17:49:00.002-05:00

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/100302/entertainment/film_polley_short

Sarah Polley has disassociated herself from her own film which will be at the Oscars in learning it will be used to promote a corporate product, which she does not want to do. Have to give her credit for sticking to her beliefs/morals/ideals, as getting an Oscar nomination must have been hard to pass on for a director.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

2010-02-28T17:55:00.000-05:00

Hockey Gold!

Manners People!!!

2010-02-22T22:29:00.002-05:00

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/olympics/vancouver/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Candian-curling-fans-leave-Danish-player-in-tear?urn=oly,221320

I'm embarrased by this behaviour. Canada!! Mind your manners!

Change

2010-02-10T19:30:00.003-05:00

Sometimes we go off looking for change, but oftentimes - most times - change is trust upon us. Guess in the end, we are creatures of habit. I'm definately in one of those places where change is thrust upon me. Pretty much in every direction. It's like change coming at you from 360 degrees. A time to re-evaluate things. Many things. Where I live, work, what I do with my time, etc.

I mean, I've tried to set myself up this way and that, however something always seems to come along that changes my plans. I guess it's true. Life is what happens while you are making other plans.

Ah well, I'll figure it out. Decisions, decisions. Key is to make good ones!

Thinking about it though, how dull would life be without change? Sometimes, and with some changes, I'd definately take dull, but for the most part....it keeps life interesting.

Change - the one thing you can count on. Change is a constant.

Numb

2010-02-01T17:17:00.009-05:00

I don't want to publically admit it, and I know it's entirely the wrong thing to say - most, most, most politically incorrect - but I'm a bit numb to the perils of the people in Haiti.

I've decided, however, that I will state it and it needs to be said. So there, I said it. I'm numb.

I've said it, as I exepct I'm really not alone. I'm sure I'm not. Just most people don't state things like this. That's one of the problems about political correctness, or any sort of imposed correctness. People see, feel, but do not talk about or acknowledge the elephant in the room.

Well, most people.

Myself, personally - I'm not that cold, and I have a big heart. However.... If I let myself actually think about the plight of the people in Haiti I feel terrible for them. Awful. Both before and after the earthquake. However, let's face it. It's not that a nice place was destroyed. It's that a poor and struggling people were dealt another enormous blow. They were in trouble before all this happenned. They are in trouble now. Without continued external aid, they'll be in trouble afterwards. Differnce now, they are in the spotlight of the world. Is that what it takes - death and devastation - to get a little help? What happens when the spotlight shifts?

But, back to apathy. Apathy - or indifference as stated another way - is easy. I've been trained for indifference, as it turns out. After all, for most of my life, every disaster has been splashed across my eyeballs in ever increasing detail. Think about it, between movies and the TV news - how much death have my eyeballs seen? I've even seen it live, in real life, and up close. I've seen it in movies - in gorry, grim detail but make beleif. It's only natural my mind disengages a bit. Natural response and perhaps a bit of a self preservation mechanism. If I let everything in to hit my heart and mind in the deepest way - why - why - I'd just self implode!!

As time - the time I've been on this planet, travelling along with the present ;) goes on, coverage of each event is increased. Hyped. Over Hyped. Super Hyped. Man, even the hype gets hyped now. So, in all this, the sympathetic words of the broadcaster, the news reporter or correspondant, seem forced, machined, shaped. Mechanical. Fabricated. It's what they should say. Must say. You know what the words are before they are even uttered. Words shaped to what they are expected to be.

Oh how terrible a thing for these poor people! These same people we didn't really give much or a crap about just a month ago, but now - oh the horror!! Excellent performances. Golden Globes for all. Well done!

(An aside - Right at the moment, I'm so glad I never pursued a career in journalism, as I'm not sure if I could survive it. To be successful, I think I'd have had to forfiet all my morals and beliefs. I'm NOT ready to do this, so my journalism career likely would have ended in dismissal...)

That said, I understand journalists at present. They are trying to report the news or the day, while retaining a job, supporting a family and working for an organisation - a business - a corporation -working toward a bottom line. (queue Dirty Laundry by Don Hendley here to play in the background...) Even so, consumers are also a bit to blame. We do feed on it. Would we really buy, pay for, expect, demand, want or be the slightest bit interested in the plain and boring truth of things? Sensation sells! News is a business. These days the world is a business. Human life is a business. What are they worth? Ask a shareholder!

And on and on that rant goes. Point being, how much can everyone take before the population grows numb? What terrible things in other places do we ignore while giving a few bucks to the tragedy of the day? Do the people (the average citizens) of Darfur need an earthquake or a meteor strike to get a little help? What ever happenned to the people who lived near Chernobyl? I'm sure you've heard Mogadishu mentioned in the news? This list goes on. What about the person you drove by on your way home, hangin out at an interection, begging for change, right in your own neighbourhood? Haiti is in ruins. Lament. That and Toyota has sticky gas pedals that they will replace - oh the horror! Happened to at leat six people (and today, reports of the class action suites of the many people who have sufferred - sufferred - from this gas pedal mayhem...screw Haiti - my Toyota might accelerate to dangerous speeds an I'll call 911 then die...... as opposed to turning off the ignition...(authors note - no - I do not own a Toyota, but yes, I have been alive and lived in a northern enough climate for long enough where one just knows if the accelerator sticks then neutral on the transmission or off on the ignition are two ways to keep ones self free from harm...numb again, I'm afraid)

Whew! I know this has been a bit long. Maybe as I struggle for the answer. I don't know it. I wish I did. But I do not.

All to say, it's easy to be numb. Too easy. It's not that you don't care. It's just that you are overloaded. Pity the next generation. They are even more "to the minute". More attached. More swayed. Even more numb.

I hope the new Haiti is better than the old Haiti for all who live there.

Time travel IS possible

2010-01-28T17:05:00.008-05:00

Listening to the radio the other day. Hmmmmmm. I think a lot of my posts here start something like that. Yes, I listen to more than just rock music, and yes, it get's me thinking. Get my mind wandering and off it goes....

Anyway, back to the point I think I had. Was listening to someone promoting a public discussion they were going to have somewhere in Toronto about time travel. Can't remember the where, but not surprisingly it was associated with some learning institution. If I didn't have prior plans, I would have gone that evening. It sounded really, really cool. Yes I am a geek.

But I've been thinking about it. From the radio interview, I learned that Steven Hawking once joked that travelling back thorugh time was not possible, as if it was we'd be inundated with time toursits.

My take:
I've been looking at my watch and the second hand has indicated that time has advanced by 60 seconds. Here I sit, 60 seconds into the future (or what was the future 60 seconds ago), thus I, with what we term as "the present", have moved ahead in time by 60 seconds. I have travelled time. Or with time, at any rate. So travel in time is possible.

Ha, ha, ha you say, funny joke! But yes, it's true. The real problem is my travel through time was tied to the same travel through time (or in time - maybe time is just a measure we made up) of "the present". The science fiction version of time travel (oh what a gold mind time travel is for science fiction!) has one being able to travel through time, forward and backward with respect to "the present" time. Think of how cool this would be. You could go back in history and check the facts on major historical milestones. The creation of the world, Christ's walk on earth - pick your pleasure. Go where you will. You could fast foward and see the future! (hmmm...another thought.....would it be the past or the future? If you managed to do it, would the new time you find youself in just simply become the present? One only assumes the knowledge of other times travel with oneself, but does that knowledge exist at that point in time and did it? Can you take the knowledge with you? AH HA!!!! But I digress....)

Then I wrote an e-mail to someone. Mentioned something about time travel. Just a few minutes ago. Then another though stuck me. A very diffent thought.

Should we be allowed to travel through time, irrespective of the present?

Is it a good idea?

Um, thinking about it, I'd say likely no. Actually, I'd definately say no. Absolutely NO.

That's right.

No.

NO.

After all, what would happen?

I'd travel back into time, fix some "mistake" that was causing me grief. Zip back to the present and yes, great, all's ok. Better check the future through... Hmm, not so great. Zip back into the past and try a little different "fix". Back to the present and no, that's not right either....so back to the past and.......

Well, you see where this is going. I'd be looping around all over my life FOREVER. Never really liking it, just prennially tuning it. Changing it. Tweeking it. I'd NEVER be happy with it. Everyone else would be doing the same, or fighting over the right, the technology, and so on, to do so. No one would be happy. Time, events, that's really what time is, would be changing all over the place (cue in the Terminator movies here.....)

Which, as I sit here, oddly enough, grants validity to my past. It's mine. It happenned to me. It shapes me. It happenned. It is. It is and it was and it still is and it always will be. (that just might have been one of the coolest sentences I've ever written...it might damn me to grammar hell, but I really like it)

The present, it just IS as well. Funny eh? Choices that pop up need to be made, they shape my future. All one can do is to try to make good choices.

The future, it will be. I'll travel into it along with "the present". It's how it is. How it should be.

For the sake of us all, it MUST be.

Reality

2010-01-26T21:50:00.002-05:00

I wish............

To finish that sentence properly and honestly would take so, so many lines. I think though, the time has come, to shorten that list and to make the left over items more than a wishlist, more than just dreams. Bring them into reality, whatever that reality might be.

I wish I knew how exactly to do that...

Contain Urban Sprawl Markham!

2010-01-11T19:42:00.006-05:00

Heard an interview this afternnon on the radio with one of the city councillors mentioned in the article

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/748485--markham-plan-could-contain-sprawl

Go for it Markham! - put a boundry around your city and contain the sprawl. Set an example for Brampton, Oakville and the whole GTA. Leave some of the best farmland in Ontario - in Canada infact - as just that - a place where we can grow food. Please don't destroy it.

Sure developers who speculated on land will whine. Let them whine -it's zoned agricultural. That's why it's called speculation - it doesn't always work out. Let them learn. Do not listen to their complaints.

Feel free to join in cities of Newmarket, Milton, Mississauga, Oshawa, Ajax, Aurora, Pickering, Courtice, Whitby, Toronto. You too Oakville and Brampton.

Now, it's not a done deal, just a proposal, but hey, it's a good one. It's nice to see some forward thinking politians too for once.

How to Survive Winter in Canada

2010-01-04T22:13:00.002-05:00

Think of something warm

Quietly

2010-01-03T10:08:00.003-05:00

Outside my window, in the bitter cold, snowflakes drift quietly, landing on the ground, tossed about in the wind. They have no will. They have no thoughts. They just are. Until time comes for them to melt. Then they are no more snowflakes. Then they are water. Tossed about no more, they flow.

Quiet are the thoughts and dreams in my head. Sleeping perhaps. For now, I just am.

Empty are my words. They just will not come out. They are stuck inside, hidden from me.

Quietly my blog enters 2010.

It does wish everyone a Happy New Year though! Best wishes for a happy, peaceful, eventful and prosperous year!

Monopoly House

2009-12-08T18:17:00.010-05:00

Doesn't it look like someone just plunked one of those little green houses from Monopoly down there? Photo is from my office down on the homes below. Now, suddennly, there's and entirely green one. Roof, boarded up windows, everything. Green. Entirely spray painted green. This is no cheap neighbourhood by the way. Quite the opposite. I can't afford to live there. Wish I could. This house is in a group of about 3 with boarded up windows. Sounds bad, but there's an entire boarded up block of houses just a block or two from here that are about to become an expensive new development. In the neighbourhood across the street you would drop $800,000 or $900,000 or more on a home.

Here are some closer shots of the "green house".

I'm not sure if this house is in protest of the condo developments that are sweeeping this area, a mean attempt by the companies trying to build the condos to devalue the neighbourhood, or an add for eco friendly houses to be built on this site. The house next to this one had a website listed on it, which brings you to a developer who looks like he might develop eco friendly homes somewhere. Not clear if that's supposed to be where these houses are or not.

The public meeting sign didn't clear up my confusion any either:

But then the sign predates the green house by quite a bit of time.

Sad

2009-11-07T08:56:00.004-05:00

I don't even know what to put as a title for this one. I'll add one at the end. Catching up on the news of the past week. This story raises more questions than answers.

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/11/06/fort-hood-shootiong-rampage-13.html

13 dead

fired over 100 rounds

single 5.7mm handgun used

brought down by two civilian officers

didn't want to be deployed to Iraq

I can see where picking the right place on base, where soldiers are normally unarmed, plus the element of surprise, would lead to a high body count. I don't understand the 100 rounds. How many rounds does a 5.7mm pistol hold?

A lot more than I thought. Up to 30 rounds, but usually limited to 10 to 20 rounds by law. 30 rounds. In a pistol.

Impressive

Sad

Yes sad. Why on earth do we devote such time and effort to guns? Why do we make pistols that can hold 30 rounds in a small convenient package? Why can't we spend our efforts on something more worthwhile? More profitable?

Ahh, profitable. Depends on one's definition of profit. Guns make lots of profit for some. Feeding the starving makes no financal profits for anyone, rather only profits as a species. Makes us less bloodthirsty. Sad

How to change the world?

How to change people?

How to change oneself?

Maybe we are doomed to extinction. Move on over dinosaurs.

Day 1

2009-10-26T17:38:00.001-04:00

Cellphone ban begins for Ontario drivers.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/10/26/ontario-handheld-device-ban-drivers130.html

Still saw a lot of drivers chatting on cell phones with no handsfree. Maybe that's because they announced they were not going to actually charge anyone until February.....

That bit aside, this is definately a good idea.

Premature?

2009-10-10T09:50:00.002-04:00

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/10/09/nobel-peace-prize-reaction-obama389.html

I was a bit surprised by this announcement. Seems a bit premature. After all, he's hardly had any time in office to demonstrate what he will be doing in terms of peace. Seems odd. Maybe it's a countermove idea. Here's the prize for all the stuff you WILL be doing for peace. You will be doing all that stuff right? You've already got the award, better do the stuff.

Huh. Hopefully at the end of his term in office we can all look back and say yes, he definately deserves this honour. He and his country.

What are they thinking?

2009-09-29T20:23:00.006-04:00

Ontario launches $50B tobacco lawsuit

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/09/29/ont-tobacco.html

In Canada, in 2001, there were 5.4 million smokers in Canada (Estimated).

Let's see. $50B estimated medical expenses over 56 years.

That's $892,857,143 per year.
Across 5.4 million smokers, thats $166 per smoker per year. If each smoker smokes only a pack a week, that's $3.20 per pack. As it's more likely a smoker runs at least 2 packs a week, cut this in half to end up with $1.60 per pack.

$1.60 per pack.

$1.60 per pack is why this will fail. One of the reasons anyway. Now, I do not advocate smoking, but I can't see how the provincial government can successfully sue the tobacco companies. Here's the why they are sueing:

"The province said in a news release it is seeking damages "for past and ongoing health-care costs linked to tobacco-related illness."

"Ontario is taking the next step towards recovering taxpayer dollars spent fighting tobacco-related illnesses."

What is the Ontario Government thinking? Smoking cigarettes is legal. Smoking pot is not. Why. Laws of the land. Who sets the laws. The government. The same government that taxes and has taxed for some time, cigarettes. Yes, cigarettes are a revenue source for the government, the same government that has to pay for health care. So the taxes are paying by smokers, who are the taxpayers burdened by the tax on the cigarettes, and if the government. $1.60 - $2.00 per pack of tax should about cover it, which is all under the power of the government to set. Now they sue someone else to recover it? I can't see it stick. But hey, who knows.

Granted, all that could be a bit understated, but I can see the cigarette companies and their lawyzer laughing a bit at the lawsuit... They are getting sued for selling something governments have the power to tax and to ban. Of course, they are saying just the same as I have above. It's legal, the government gets taxes from it, and as such, are a player in the game.

So what are they thinking, these governments? Why spend even more money on a lawsuit? Why not take that money and spend it on trying to help people stop smoking? Cut their addiction. Whay not raise the tax a bit on smokes and get more revenue that way. Adds fuel to those wanting incentive to quit. Surely there is some better recourse here than a pretty hopeless lawsuit?

Art

2009-09-27T10:59:00.005-04:00

My youngest daughter sketched out some things in my living room on a piece of paper that was lying on the table. It was kind of a neat sketch and I decided to share it here. Inspired, I thought I'd try my hand at it too. Mine is the second sketch. Style wise, mine's all matter of fact (aka dull) and is what was straight across from my seat on the couch, namely my other daughter on my computer. My daughters sketch is more abstract, pulling items together that are in my living room, albeit in different places and not at all as drawn (aka interesting). Plus she drew in the cat she wished was there... :)

Icarus

2009-09-26T23:01:00.002-04:00

Did I fly to close to the sun? Did the wax melt, my wings fall off? Did I plumett to my death?

If so, why am I still here? Did I survive? Beat the odds?

Or does death wear a subtle mask?

Wake Up!

2009-09-26T10:32:00.001-04:00

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/sept21_hub/?cl=337659811&v=4115

H1N1 Again

2009-09-24T21:51:00.002-04:00

It's really getting a lot of press, even though the morbity rate is less for H1N1 then the other "regular" strains of the flu.

In all that press though, one thread stuck out:

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/09/23/flu-shots-h1n1-seasonal.html

Seasonal flu shot may increase H1N1 risk.

Really. Now, isn't that interesting? I've avoided getting any flu shots, as I'm a healthy (young)(hey you are as you think...) man, and I do OK each year without it, so I figure it's like exercise to fight off the odd virus or bacteria (ok, truth be told, I likely fight off millions if not billions each day). Exercise for the immune system. Don't want the immune system getting fat and happy. No, it's always got to be on. At it's best. Ready to fight.

Nothing against the flu shot, and I'd highly recommend it for anyone in a compromised state. It's a great tool. But for a 100% healthy individual, I still think the best approach is to let your immune system do what it is supposed to. Make sure you have a healthy diet. Get lots of sleep. All those things your mother told you.

Maybe science is catching up with common sense.

Wow

2009-09-22T12:11:00.001-04:00

Every once in awhile you run across a story that just makes you go wow.

US furniture worker discovers new colleague is his long lost brother:
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Oddities/090922/K092204AU.html (and they even turn up another sibling out of it)

Autumn

2009-09-21T20:18:00.005-04:00

And just like that - suddenly - it's fall again. Spring, summer, autumn, winter, spring, summer, autumn, winter, spring, summer, autumn - the relentless march of time.

Spring's often viewed as a time of renewal. The start of things anew. Refreshed. For some reason, I always feel like that in the fall far more than in the spring. Not sure why. Maybe as the school system here starts up again each fall, so it was always a new grade and at times a new school as a youngster. New things. Or maybe it's the change. Soon there will be frost in the mornings. Leaves will change, hanging desperately to the little limbs they've spent the summer attached to, before letting go to start a new life swirling around on the ground, along the sidewalk, down along the street, around in circles in the park. Wasps fighting for little bits of sugar, a sense of urgency in their actions, in their flight. Change is coming. Days shortening and nights growing longer. Oh the steadfastness of change.

Maybe some change for me would be good too. Never know what things are like, swirling down the sidewalk. In circles around the park.

Where I wasn't....

2009-09-21T18:07:00.002-04:00

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/sept21_rsvp/?id=136250&cts=1253149367

Didn't make it :( Under the weather. Too bad, as I am really, really wondering what sort of turn out there was. If you follow the above link, you will find a slideshow with some pictures from various events around the world.

Here's some photo's from Australia. http://www.flickr.com/photos/avaaz/3939561637/in/set-72157622425161244/

None the less, I do think it's time we all admit we need to change the way we do things. I hope the turn out was good. I'll have to watch for a future event.

Where I'll be

2009-09-16T21:05:00.001-04:00

Monday, Sept 21, 2009 at 12:18

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/sept21_rsvp/?id=136250&cts=1253149367

Put your voice behind actioning climate change - find an event near you: http://www.avaaz.org/en/tcktcktck_map/?cl=321185060&v=3954

On Compassionate Grounds....Part 2

2009-09-02T22:02:00.003-04:00

A follow up to this post. I hope this is not the case...

Britain agreed to include Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset al-Megrahi in a prisoner transfer deal with Libya because of overwhelming interests shortly before an oil deal was sealed with Tripoli, a newspaper reported on Sunday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090830/ts_nm/us_britain_libya

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/124660/Release-part-of-oil-deal-

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/lockerbie-bombers-release-britain-had-oil-deal-on-mind/509118/

Bruce Penninsula

2009-09-02T21:52:00.012-04:00

Just some pics from my vacation last week.

Premeditated Murder

2009-08-31T21:48:00.004-04:00

Premeditated murder? Planned sucide? A really, really bad feeling? A really, really good psychic?

A really, really bad typo?

I was in Lions Head while on vacation. Here's a picture of a little light house on the end of the pier:

Here's the plaque of commemoration on the side of the lighthouse:

Wow. He passes away a couple months from now......

;)

On compassionate grounds....

2009-08-21T11:52:00.003-04:00

Freed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8213202.stm

Freed on grounds of compassion, as he has terminal cancer. So what? Everyone is dying of something, or will. Does this give anyone else freedom? Did this buy him the right for:

Hero

Returns to a hero's welcome

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8213210.stm

But where was compassion when the plane exploded?

Where is the compassion?

Compassion for the friends and families of those who died on that plane?

I wonder.

Leslie Street Spit

2009-08-21T10:30:00.005-04:00

I used to work right at the top of the Leslie Street Spit. There's a bike path that runs down it, and back up to Lakeshore Blvd, running along beside Lakeshore across Ashbridges Bay and into the Beach (or Beaches, depends who you ask) area of Toronto. As I drove home from work, I'd watch the people walking, biking and roller blading on the path, thinking they were have way more fun than I was, being stuck in traffic and all. Finally decided enough was enough, loaded the bicycle on the car, and toured the area. Here's some pics of the views from the spit, and a couple shots of the bike path.

Really....is that right?.....boring.....

2009-08-20T10:44:00.004-04:00

Americans need something new to talk about. Perhaps like really how to fix their economy. These last headlines take the cake though. They are everywhere.

MICHELLE OBAMA SHORT SHORTS
http://weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/10990/michelle-obama-short-shorts/

or
http://www.nbcwashington.com/around-town/fashion/Michelle-Obamas-Short-Shorts-53597022.html

Now, I'm thinking short shorts. What? Like Hot Pants short?

Oh. No. Just regular shorts.

In the summer no less.

After visiting the grand canyon.

What was she thinking?

While the guitars gently weep

2009-08-13T18:08:00.000-04:00

Les Paul. June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Paul

Summer in Canada (or camping explained)

2009-08-10T18:33:00.006-04:00

Summer in Canada. With the many nice and positive things I have to say about the CBC, and as much as I like and enjoy the CBC, I do have the below thought.

I know why, in the summer, Canadains by the thousands flock away from civilization, cut off from the Internet, from cable television, abandoning satellite television, even moving out of the range of cellular telephones, to live in a tent, enduring lots of rain (this year), enormous mosquitos (it's all that rain), enduring shared outhouse style washrooms.

No, it's not to get away from it all, to get close to nature, to embrace the warm weather.

It's to get away. Far away. Away from the CBC 2 part miniseries...

Irony

2009-08-09T09:36:00.002-04:00

And in following one of those links my Internet provider puts up on their "news" page, we find this:

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/CelebrityCafe/story?id=8276228&page=1

Irony, or is it more hypocrisy?

Self magazine really airbrushed up thier cover shot of Kelly Clarkson and under her photo is printed the message "Total Body Confidence"

Isn't that ironic?

Hypocrisy?

Flat out deception?

All of the above?

Makes me wonder why someone would by that rag of a magazine. http://www.self.com/ Well, looking at it, I wouldn't be buying it anyway, but I do buy the occasional newspaper, and often think the same thoughts afterward.... ;)

Puzzling Patience

2009-07-30T21:50:00.002-04:00

One thing that has always puzzled me is the polar opposites that I have in terms of patience. In some things, I have to hold myself back, to continually tell myself to hold on, to wait, to give it time. In other things, I have the patience of Job. So I'm both patient and impatient.

How can that be?

Odd place for an ad.....

2009-07-21T20:28:00.009-04:00

From a link I was sent: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=431_1232680237

The sad text seemed to not go along at all with the "Meet Sexy Women in your Area!" ad link....

I know, I have a sad sense of homour.....

Sadly enough, as for the link regarding the use of kittens as bait...there unfortunately might be some truth to it. I did find an entry at snopes about the same practice, only with dogs: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/sharkbait.asp Unfortunately as well, apparently activists might be distorting the truth as to how widespread this practice is. (Do two lies make a truth?)

I know people also use live frogs as bait.

Devils Avocate:

Switching sides...I know, as you read this you can't beleive it. It's horrifying. Using dogs, kittens, frogs, as live bait. It's cruel. Inhumane.

Hmmm, but, what about a minnow?

A worm?

Not equally as cruel?

Hooking a fish, just for sport?

Yes, I have a fishing license. Thinking about it, think I'll reconsider on it a bit. Only fish for food. If and when required.

Faults

2009-07-19T20:11:00.003-04:00

Everyone has faults. Each of us. Everyone. Maybe the trick is to know what they are. One that runs though me, deeply and cannot be wired aroud or bypassed, no matter what I try is in my tolerance level, or my reaction to some thing one might do to me. You can push on me. I'll gve. Push on my more. I'll give more. Push more I'll give and give. I'll bend.

Until...

...invariable, you'll reach the end. Then you'll find an inpenatrible, inflexible surface. Graphically, it would look something like this:

It's how it is. I've tried to change it, but cannot. It's how I'm wired. I've just been trying to decide if it's a good or a bad thing. In some ways, it's a good thing. I'm very tolerant. Can endure much, although somewhat at the expense of myself. In other ways it's a very bad thing. Reach the end and I'm a maelstrom. Yes, I ebb a bit, if given time, however the edge remains. A fair maelstrom, even a tolernat maelstrom, as it ebbs, but a maelstrom just the same. However, there's no return to the other side of the line. To how it was.

As I said, trying to decide if it's a good or a bad thing. Maybe a bit of both.

Sky

2009-07-18T21:57:00.009-04:00

Imagine a world without a sky. A blue clear sky. A brightening sky at dawn. A vividly coloured sky at dusk. A sky full of clouds. A sky.

I think it would be a dull, univiting place.

The same could be said for clouds. They are wonderful to watch as the move about the sky.

As they swell and grow, stealing the sunshine on a summers afternoon:

Even ones about to empty their contents on me:

Imagine a world without clouds. Imagine a world without sky.

Photos to make you think

2009-07-17T18:31:00.002-04:00

http://matadorchange.com/intolerable-beauty-chris-jordan-photographs-american-mass-consumption/

As found by my friend C over at Eclecta (see Intolerable Beauty: Chris Jordan Photographs American Mass Consumption).

If you want to see some more photos from the series try google images

I feel a bit guitly. I think some of that stuff was mine......

Spring!

2009-07-13T17:21:00.003-04:00

Actually, it's summer. The way the temperatures have been lately, it's easy to get confused. Spent a nice, sunny, but cool (I shouldn't have worn shorts) day at the park by the lake in Whitby yesterday.

Nice clean air though:

and lots of interesting clouds:

Bums

2009-07-11T19:45:00.004-04:00

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/07/10/comprehensive-offer.html

Well, the union has rejected 7.2% over 4 years. They want 12%.

Now I'm not a public sector employee. I work in the private sector. At the moment, if offered, I say thank you to 7.2% over 4 years. It's more than I'll get, and it's hard out there.

Bums.

Art

2009-07-11T18:37:00.001-04:00

http://www.torontooutdoorart.org/

Checked it out this afternoon with my youngest daughter. Very neat. Lots to look at. Both in terms of art and of people wathcing.

The problem with spray on sunscreen....

2009-07-11T10:07:00.005-04:00

Took yesterday off work to hang out with my youngest daughter. We spent the afternoon at Kelso Park in Milton. Just the small "lake"(er...pond?) pictured about. BBQ'd up some lunch then lazed away on the (man made?) beach there. Great beach weather. 29 Celcuis and sunny. First real hot summery day this year I think. I tried some spray on sunscreen. Think I'm more a fan of the original rub on type. I didn't get enough protection out of the spray on. I think part of the problem is I may have held the can too close. I have burnt and non burnt areas. A lobster zebra man look, if you would. My daughter held up just fine, so it can't be the product. Must be the application....

Thunderstorms and a weather change went through this morning and took the summer weather off with them. Back to 19 Celcuis. Ah well, with city workers on strike and no garbage pickup, maybe cooler is better.

Oh, and despite what you hear on the news, I haven't had garabge pickup in several weeks, but the neighbourhood I live in is still quite clean. I'm sure in the areas right around the designated temporary garabge drop off and storage depots the same can't be said, but individual neighbourhoods seem to be holding up ok. Not swimming in stench and garbage yet. It's only been 3 weeks, after all.

Camping Trip

2009-07-06T20:24:00.010-04:00

Spent the last four days camping. Not far, only a 2 hour drive out of Toronto. A place called Glenn Allan Park on Crowe Lake near Marmora. Here's a couple shots from the campground out across Crowe Lake:

Near Maroma there is an open pit mine where they used to mine iron ore:

If you haven't figured out from all the water in the bottom of the pit, this part of the mine is no longer in operation. If not, here's a sign from the old mine:

Aecon own it now, and are still processing aggregates on site from the limestone that was stripped off (120 feet of it) to expose the iron ore.

Camping was fun. Here's a shot from a canoe on a bit of a windy day:

to close this out, another shot across Crowe Lake, closer to sunset:

ROM Walks

2009-06-17T22:10:00.003-04:00

Another entry for those who live in Toronto. This one for those who like to get out in the summer, at the same time learning a bit about the city you live in.

ROM Walks - Guided tours of the city by the Royal Ontario Museum. I did the Sacred Stones and Steeples walk tonight. Very interesting, even in the pouring rain.

Sad.

2009-06-11T20:05:00.006-04:00

I'm sad. Can't entirely explain why, but I am. Sad. Sad and happy.

Some words.

Some really honest words.

Some words that are far more honest than a lot of us would ever risk to be,

Some words that feed into my sadness

My life in these days is so boring and depressing. Wish had someone with me in these days. A guy that would cheers me up hold me, cuddly, would go places with me, would go travel around the world like some of my friends do and just be with me.

I know, water and food are basic human needs, but really, in the general scheme of things, can you think of a more basic human need?

Not my words. Words of someone I know, through some of the things I do. Words of someone, who in our supermodel work, isn't much to look at. Words, which, if spoken, would have come out hard to understand, as the mouth that would speak them would have trouble forming the words. A mind in a body that doesn't match. Someone who would hurt no one.

I think I could die in the desert, devoid of food and water, yet happy in the though that someone loves me, as opposed to fat, full and satisfied, but wondering if I had a friend.

Sad.

It leaves me sad. Why? Possible because the tragic irony, but more likely as I'm a bit pissed at myself. Pissed to all the times I've ever felt sorry for myself. I'm living in a great place, have all sorts of opportunity, so far have had great health. What more do I want?

A fantastic mate? A fabulous house.

Well, I've had the house, and as they say, easy come easy go. Mate. Well they are a bit harder to find, but my current girlfriend is golden. More than golden, she is great. I see it. Life's been pretty good to me. Very good. Too good, based on some of the other thoughts circling around my head these days.

So these words make me sad. Sad as I can feel them. As I understand them. I hope my friend finds them.

Sad but knowing I should be happy.

Ecstatic

That's how to use a Taser

2009-06-03T06:54:00.003-04:00

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/06/02/bc-vancouver-woman-taser.html

Another taser incident hits the news. Actually, I think the police did a fine job and this is just the sort of situation where a taser is useful. Distraught woman waving a big knife. I definitely wouldn't recommend approaching that. Way more threatening than a stapler.

The police. Well, seems they held their ground and showed great restraint. Actually, from the news account in the above link, I'd even say under difficult circumstances.

"while re-directing pedestrian traffic around.... ??

You have to tell people to steer clear of the distraught woman waving a big knife??

Difficult circumstances in a place where this is the case.

Mind you, based on the fact that someone in the crowd ran out, ignored police, and tried unsuccessfully to subdue the woman, which was what forced the police to taser her, I see the answer is yes, you do need to redirect people.

Yes, she was tasered. Fell because of it. Hit her head even. What do you want? Them to shoot her? Can you imagine what the headlines would have been if they had stood back, done nothing, and said person who ran from the crowd was fatally stabbed? Based on the fact that she was standing waving a big knife, I'd say hitting her head isn't the biggest problem for this lady at the present time. Obviously there's a lot more serious stuff in her life to worry about.

So again, I think this is a excellent example of when and how to use a taser.

Maybe someone should taser the person who ran from the crowd. Why? Well, apparently it's illegal to kick them in the ass.

June 2, 2009

2009-06-02T21:11:00.002-04:00

Well, I was going to post some pictures of Doors Open Toronto (or at least, the places we visited) and some wineries along Niagara on the Lake, as my girlfriend and I had done both on a jam packed and very enjoyable 3 day weekend, however they are all on a hard drive to which I presently have no access...

Yes, my computer died. Not the hard drive, I think I'll be able to get that back, just the rest of it. Ah well. Technology. Goes well with some other thoughts I've had along those lines lately.

No problem though. I'm on vacation this week. Did some cycling (22.5 km's today), and just looking after some things I've been putting off. Staycation. Good for getting things done.

While cycling this afternoon, I thought a bit about what my answers would be to Michelle's tag topic "list six things that are unimportant but make me happy then tag six others."

Of course, if you know me, you know I won't be tagging six others, however if you read this and wish to, do make your own list. Drop me a line and I'll check it out. Really. I likely have lost the link to your blog. LOL

So, my list, in no particular order.

1. Watching clouds form
2. Sun on my face, wind in my hair
3. Cheerful people
4. Water. Looking across it, sitting beside it.
5. Peace. Fairness.
6. Colour. Life's better with a splash of colour

I could go on. I could think of way more than 6 things. Food and Drink. A warm shelter. Family, etc, etc. But, made my list of things base on they had to be unimportant. Granted, drinking water is pretty important, but I was thinking more of looking at water. I'm sure some would argue #5 also is important, but I got to thinking that if if really, really was important, the world would operate differently. Important to me, so maybe I am cheating a bit there. I could substitute a good beer on a patio in the summertime if in that case, or meadows full of tall grass and flowers, swaying gently in the wind. ;)

Doors Open Toronto

2009-05-21T19:01:00.003-04:00

If you are in the Toronto area this coming weekend and are looking for something to do, check out Doors Open Toronto

What is it? Their description is:

175 buildings of architectural, historic, cultural and/or social significance open their doors to the public.

Or, put differently, a chance to tour some of the neat building we often drive by.

It's pretty friggin awful when.....

2009-05-19T21:33:00.002-04:00

when a former Prime Minister of Canada, the same one responsible for introducing the goods and services tax - the GST - which I've been faithfully paying on all applicable purchases ever since - has some questionable business dealings and, it turns out, neglects to pay taxes on some income...or even to declare it...

...then only has to pay tax on half that income

Fine example of a leader he is...

If I only paid half the tax I owed the government, they'd come after me with all barrels blazing. I'd probably end up in jail if I didn't pay. Doesn't seem right.

Beautiful World

2009-05-19T18:58:00.018-04:00

It's such a beautiful world. Too bad we just can't all get along. I was in Oxford County, visiting my parents this weekend. Took some pictures of the emerging springtime:

My youngest daughter became interested in taking some photos. Here's the world through the eyes of an 11 year old, who seems to be a bit handier with a camera than her dad:

Happiness

2009-05-13T20:11:00.002-04:00

Are you happy?

If so - why? The economy is the pits. The news is full of sad stories. What's to be happy about?

If not - why? What is it that makes you unhappy? Lack of money? Lack of this? Lack of that? If only I had I'd be happy. Are you sure? Do you really know? What then?

Maybe with the end (ahem - has it really ended?) of consumerism, maybe many of you have the same questions. Perhaps you found possessions don't buy happiness?

Perhaps you found that people don't necessarily buy you happiness?

Perhaps you've discovered there is no formula for happiness?

Happiness is a pretty personal thing. What makes one happy, doesn't necessarily do much or anything for another. It's quite a thing to discover what makes one really happy though. That information is worth a lot. For me, a piece of the list is:

- freedom
- being healthy
- doing things
- water beneath a paddle
- my kids, though they can be trying at times
- someone I can laugh with

Yes, when I look back on my life it's not a house, some car, some thing - it's all these things. Some things little, some things big.

At the end of it all, happiness is a choice. Continue to make a list of all those things you want/need/must have then you will be happy, or look at what you have, what you truly like, and choose to be happy for those things.

That's what I think, at any rate.

Go forth - be happy!

Sad Kermit

2009-05-06T21:38:00.002-04:00

if you are bored.....

check out http://sadkermit.com/

( or http://xkcd.com/

or http://www.explosm.net/comics/

or

http://www.goats.com/)

yes...i have a sad sense of humour....

Pandemic

2009-05-06T21:31:00.004-04:00

...or perhaps not....

I graphed the number of cases as per Canada (source http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine-porcine/surveillance-eng.php). Appears pretty mild to me. Especially given the fact that there's just over 200 cases in Canada. Population of Canada is around 33 million people. So at present, only 6.06E-8% of Canadians have been affected, and as far as I'm aware, very mildly.

Why the graph? Well with all this pandemic talk, I thought I'd like to know if it really looked like one. So far, no, so I think I will not worry about this version of the flu at the moment and will look toward enjoying the spring weather.

I do like the reporting system that has been set up in Canada though. Makes it handy to access information so one can make ones own decisions about things.

Think I'll bbq myself a pork chop in the near future.

And just when you think the world of "Politcal Correctness" can't go any further over the edge.....

2009-04-28T22:33:00.002-04:00

is when something like this happens.....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090427/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_odd_israel_kosher_flu

"JERUSALEM – The outbreak of swine flu should be renamed "Mexican" influenza in deference to Muslim and Jewish sensitivities over pork, said an Israeli health official Monday.

Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman said the reference to pigs is offensive to both religions and "we should call this Mexican flu and not swine flu," he told a news conference at a hospital in central Israel.

Both Judaism and Islam consider pigs unclean and forbid the eating of pork products."

Yes...calling it the swine flu. Unclean. Let's call it the Mexican flu. Nothing's quite as clean as the flu....

You'd think it would be an appropriate name for the thing in their eyes.

Swine = bad.

Swine flu = bad + bad = really bad.

Holy $%^&*. Has political correctness and considering everyone and anyone's insecurities....I mean sensitivities...finally gone to far? I love this one. Don't call it the swine flu...we don't like swine...it's offensive. Call it the Mexican flu. Screw them (the Mexicans) if they don't like it. They can take it. They are tough. Take things in stride. Mexicans.

I can't believe a statement like this even came about. Of all the things to worry about...

Alright. In order to preserve their delicate sensibilities (albeit I don't see where sense is at all involved, at least, not the common form of it), perhaps we can call it the swine flu, and they can call it something different. Yes...that could just work....and not the Mexican flu though....that would make them all hypocrites...they'd have to come up with a different name. How about:

"The nothing to do with pork it was really monarch butterfly flu."

or

"The I wished I named this something different flu"

or

"The thing with the round nose and squiggly tail flu"

or perhaps just simply

"The Wilbur Flu"

I can't believe this stuff even makes the news...

2009-04-24T23:03:00.003-04:00

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/04/24/mccain-border-canada-911.html

Maybe someone should buy Senator John McCain and Janet Napolitano a box of crayons with which they can continue to try to rewrite their countries history.

No McCain and Napolitano, the 9/11 terrorists did not come through Canada. No, we did not train them to fly. No we did not give them American documentation or issue said documentation on your behalf. The US of A did all that themselves. We've been through this before.... trying to state otherwise avoids the issues. There are problems there in your own country that need to be dealt with. Avoiding the problems or falsely blaming someone else doesn't help anyone. Besides, we have our own problems here. Many are just the same as yours. We'll fix them here. You worry about yours.

Yes, I know. That's not it. You forgot/misunderstood/whatever the question, etc, etc. Signs of senility they say......

Not suggesting it's as they both wish to paint the US-Canada border with the same brush as the US-Mexico border with all it's drug and illegal immigrant problems, but hey, why not. Go ahead.

In fact, why not build a giant 10 foot cement wall around the entire country? That way you can feel wonderfully safe within it's confines and maybe we won't have to deal with all the bloody guns and drugs that find their way here from your side of the border...

Ahhh...The Billy Bob thing all makes sense now

2009-04-16T17:13:00.001-04:00

I didn't know he was using a translator....

21

2009-04-14T23:14:00.003-04:00

21
not old enough

not old enough
to die

not old enough

not old enough
to be as jaded as i

to be as jaded as i

to ask why

21
old enough

old enough
to hope
to dream
to believe

41
old

old enough to grieve

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/04/14/blais-ramp-ceremony-0414.html

Billy Bob (Prima Donna) Thorton

2009-04-14T21:24:00.006-04:00

I laughed at this interview. Several times. Especially how "thrilled" the band was to go play a tune after it. I actually felt a bit sorry for his bandmates.

Apparently we Canadians are an audience of mashed potatoes without gravy. That or Jian Ghomeshi was just to polite to point out we seldom throw things at each other and do get out of our seats - only it has to be a good band. LOL

The band was boo'd when they went on stage for their performance, subsequently canceled the rest of their Canadian dates (http://www.seattlepi.com/tvguide/405096_tvgif13.html) after a sudden onset of the flu, but no fear, getting south of the border cured them again!

Well Billy Bob, what's left to say? Don't let the border hit you on the ass on the way out?

Audience of One

2009-04-09T20:48:00.001-04:00

But you ranaway
Now all my friends gone
Maybe we’ve outgrown all the things that we once loved
Runaway
But what are we running from ?
A show of hands from those in this audience of one
Where have they gone ?

We’re all ok, until the day we’re not
The surface shines, while the inside rots
We raced the sunset and we almost won
We slammed the brakes, but the wheels went on

We ran away
Now all my friends gone
Maybe we’ve outgrown all the things that we once loved
Runaway
But what are we running from ?
A show of hands from those in this audience of one
Where have they gone ?

From Rise Against - Audience of One. Yes, What are we running from? Ourselves?

Monsanto and others

2009-04-04T09:38:00.002-04:00

http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/03/10/bills-could-reorganizing-farming-and-criminalize-gardening-organic-farming/

Thanks to Michelle at Crows Feet for the heads up. If you live in the U.S.A, or North America for that matter, you might wish to query on bills HR874 and S425 (query HR874 S425 in google and you'll find some interesting reading).

It's an all to alarming trend these days. Very big business influence governments to pass laws and policy to effectively eliminate their competition and to pretty much let these companies do what they want. Build a product in a part of the world where environmental controls and peoples rights do not matter. Sell it in places in the world where it would cost more to do it the proper way. Consume and destroy at will, all to post a healthy bottom line for the super rich. (but we buy the stuff, don't we...) Governments, instead of setting policy good for the people of the country, end up instead being "police" for the big corporations. I put police in quotes as I was actually being polite. I was going to write henchmen, or the goons. I think I should have. It's more accurate. A million laws later and where do you end up. You end up with the transformation of a free nation to a police state. Think about it. Freedom of speech is already disappearing. Think of all the things you can't say. Maybe freedom of gardening will go next.

Why do we let business run countries? Countries are for people. Let's get and keep business out of it.

Kids

2009-04-03T23:01:00.001-04:00

I love my kids.

(yeah, short, sweet and not much in the way of great reading, but what more can I say)

War and Pestilence

2009-03-30T18:53:00.006-04:00

War and Pestilence

mist covers the water
i swim forward, hoping for the shore
mist parts, shore appears
there stands death

waiting

the water turns to blood
deaths outstreched hands grab for mine
unseen hands pull me back
a voice echos softly in the silence
not yet, not today...

i awake
my parents still dead
my younger siblings counting on me
the oldest surviving member of my family
we need food
water
shelter

we need

i struggle through the day
lie awake in my makeshift bed
not wanting to sleep
i know what dreams await
i know my future

i am 14 years old

--------
Wish I could remember what I was listening to on the radio a week and a half ago or so that inspired the above words. If I did, I'd link to the news article.

I do not know who to attribute the picture to as I received it in an e-mail. Sorry.

Taser Critics are, well...stunned.

2009-03-27T19:03:00.004-04:00

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2009/03/27/mtl-quebec-taser-recall-0327.html

The Quebec government will have tasers in the province tested and will discard those out of spec. Finally, some reasonable thoughts about tasers. Hey, they are electronic equipment, maybe they need to go in for a yearly calibration and calibration?

Taser critics are applauding it. Myself, I don't get taser critics. Get rid of tasers, they kill people, sometimes. Yes, and use what - a gun? They kill, most times. Why do taser critics even have so much of a voice these days? It's policy and politics by misinformation I think.

For instance, take the current big case re tasers in Canada at present. Robert Dziekanski. An irate guy in an airport, armed with a stapler (where are the stapler critics? Silent, they are, in all of this). Yes, he was in the wrong, all agitated in the airport throwing things around, but was tasered right after several RCMP officers arrived. No, not just once, no several times. Then he died.

I'm thinking if it were me, Mr. average citizen, it wouldn't be an inquest into the death, but rather my murder trial. After all, I think it was 4, maybe 5 RCMP officers who arrived to face off with an irate man armed with a stapler. Not even one of those heavy duty industrial staplers, no, just a desk one...

Say it was myself, alone. Yes I'd be worried about the irate man with the stapler. Worried, but not panicked. Just worried. Very worried.

Myself and a buddy. This ones easy. Buddy, you go for the arm with the stapler, I'll go for the throat. We'll pin him down.

Myself and 2 buddies. Same as with one buddy, but with an insurance plan. Hardly fair really.

Myself and 4 buddies. We'll leave it as three on the attack, with the fourth calling the authorities on his cell phone. No need to be stupid about it.

Highly trained RCMP officers grossly outnumbering him....taser him again...again...again...again....more. Offer help/assistance/CPR? No, let him die.

Stupid, negligent and criminal in my view. Yet it spurns a debate, and drives policy. I still think it's quite simple. Taser a person he might die. Likely no, but he could. Shoot a person they will likely die. They might not, but probably yes. In this light, tasers make lots of sense. Using them pointlessly or just because, well, deal with those individuals (idiots) on a case by case basis. Bad employees they are, so get rid of them. Sounds harsh, but really, should I applaud them if they have no taser and only a gun to shoot off just because they couldn't learn some simple guidelines? Hell, do I want them to have/use a gun if they can't follow guidelines on taser use? Really.

By the way, the role of the press in this whole matter absolutely disgusts me. Pump the hype. Sell the headline no matter what the cost. What was the cost? Objectiveness. Integrity.

I wish I'd kept the link, but not that long ago (months) someone was shot in Toronto. He wasn't tasered, as there was not a proper ranking police official available to authorize the use of a taser. Can't use a taser, as it might kill, but go ahead, use your gun. Policy by press. Makes no sense at all.

And to the taser critics? Well, if you were in a situation where someone has to taser you or shoot you, which would you pick?

(Cowards)

Enough said.

Courage, Strength & Hope

2009-03-24T21:11:00.003-04:00

Courage, Strength, Hope, ....and a whole lot of respect. That's what I'm reminded of whenever I see the colour violet. Why? Simply as the colour and a friend share the same name. A friend who's lived through more and endured more than I've ever had to. Than most people. Than anyone I know. More than I'd ever want to. More, I fear, than I could live through. I hope to never have to live through such things. A friend whose heart has stopped so many times I'm amazed she is still here. A friend who continues to amaze doctors and everyone she comes in contact with. A friend presently in a serious showdown with cancer.

I'd say she still clings onto life, but I think the truth is that really, life still clings on to her. Not wanting to let her go. Let her leave. Life would miss her here.

I'm with life. There's lots to amaze about in terms of her medical history, as well as her medical present, but none of that is what comes to mind when I think of her.
It's not the unbelievable medical history that draws people to Vy. No, It's Vy herself. When I think of her, life is what comes to mind. Life in all it's glory. Life in a no matter what, embrace the day, embrace the time, carry on and live for those who have passed before you. Live your life. Find love. True love. Friends. Happiness. Embrace the moments, hold them and let each one fight to pass. Be yourself, and let yourself shine through to the world. That dim light you think you shine might be a whole lot brighter than you think!

Yes, the colour violet reminds me, silently but with the voice of a lion, to embrace each day. Start the day happy as I'm awake. Alive. Mobile and fed. To breath in blue skies. To delight in raindrops. To wonder at the moon and the millions of stars. To remember to smile in the face of adversity. To get up, dust oneself off, and to carry on when tough times strike.

This knowledge is a priceless gift. Worthy of kings. Quite a gift from someone who I'm simply happy to call friend. Not all things in life need to be involved, complicated, or difficult. Sometimes the best things are just that, simple and easy. They just flow.

I hope life and Vy get to roar together again. In the mean time, take a look around and find something to be thankful for. There's lots, if you are looking. Relax, grab a moment, and enjoy your life.

Early Spring?

2009-03-16T19:54:00.002-04:00

The last few days have been a sudden blast into warmth. Sometimes having a hard time believing the thermometer and leaving my coat at home.

With the warm weather comes a reminder. A reminder that perhaps I'm not as active as I should be in the winter months. Sure I skated a bit. Hiked a bit. Walked here and there, but as the fact that I no longer need to wear a belt with some pants, maybe not as much as I should have. Today this was very apparent to me. Why? Well, yesterday I went to a short walk/hike with a friend and people from the Running Room. Yes, they have runs too, but for those who don't run, walks. Picture a walk on a beautiful day. Actually, picture a walk. Now picture a faster walk. Faster. A bit faster. Picture walking at a speed where if you went any faster you would be running. Yes, pushed me it did. Felt great, but my calves are stiff today!

Happy St Patty's day all!

Six Words

2009-03-10T20:00:00.004-04:00

Heard a piece on CBC today. In it, the presenter had heard of a different challenge somewhere, and had applied the challenge to people in Toronto. The Challenge - describe Toronto in only six words. It was neat listening to the different entries.

Thought I'd try one of my own. Describe life in six words:

Raindrops
Teardrops
Kindness
Smiles
Sunshine
Peace

Go ahead, give it a try.

Water

2009-03-03T20:58:00.004-05:00

The older I get, the more of this I drink each day. Desperately trying not to dry out? To turn to dust? To dissolve and fade away? I don't know, but I drink enough of it. Great stuff. Water.

Could you imagine a world without water? Clean water? To cook with? To bath in? To drink? Already a lot of our world is like that. People struggle in these conditions from day to day. While we, here, in other places, take clean water totally for granted.

It's human nature, isn't it? So many things we take for granted. Things that have always been there. Things that are plentiful. Things that are easy to get. It's only when these things are taken from us that we remember, we realize, we understand how precious they are.

This post isn't really about water. It's more about a couple different things that are on my mind. The bottle of water on my desk just struck me as an interesting parallel. A reminder. Look around in your life and see, remember, realize, understand what it is that is important.

Let the rest pale.

Blue Skies

2009-03-01T09:04:00.009-05:00

I love sunny blue skies. Yesterday was a great one. Today looks like a great one too. If you'd listened to the hyped up weather reporters on Friday, one would hardly dare venturing out yesterday, due to the cold and the severe wind chill.

What wasn't there yesterday? Wind. No wind, plus the sun factor. What was it? Warm. The sun is getting much stronger here now as winter draws to a close. It was a great day for a hike. I actually had to lose my hat, and at times, my gloves as I was getting too warm. Only issue, after the rain last week followed by the deep freeze, was ice. Lots of very icy sections along the trail.

As you can see, the path was mostly ok. This one starts close to where I live and ends close to Dupont street. For a change of scenery on the walk home there's an Irish pub called The Pour House (Irish stew and a pint of Boddingtons makes a great lunch) and going back via Spadina brings you right alongside Casa Loma

Urgent Help Required!!!!!

2009-02-25T16:44:00.003-05:00

Urgent help required! Where? The Canadian music scene!

Well, not really the Canadian music scene, but the Juno's. Canada's award for outstanding musical talent.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/interactives/cp-juno-2009/

I see one of the nominees for best album of the year is "70's Volume 2" by Sylvain Cossette.

70's Volume 2. Best album of the year? Please. Has the Canadian music scene been reduced to nominating an album of remade 70's tunes as best album. Yes, I know, he's from Quebec, and politically speaking, we need to nominate some folk from there, but he's singing the tunes in English. They aren't even his tunes. Volume 2? Is their a Volume 1 album of more songs that are just someone elses remade? Can I get a best album nomination next year if I just convince someone to let me re-do some old "Sing along with Mitch" album?

There has to be better choices in the entire Canadian music scene than a cover album. There just must. Heck, look under the genre specific themes.

Artists nominated for best

Rock album:
Matt Mays & El Torpedo
Protest the Hero
Sam Roberts
Sloan
The Trews

Pop album:
Alanis Morissette
Creature
David Usher
Kreesha Turner
The Midway State

Country album:
Aaron Pritchett
Crystal Shawanda
Doc Walker
George Canyon
Tara Oram

and so on. Rap Album, New Artist, New Group. Surely some of these people, with original content are more deserving of a best album nomination than an album of remade tunes, even if they are well performed and well sung?

The Juno's....

Telecommunications Networking 101

2009-02-23T16:47:00.008-05:00

I'm often asked what I do and apparently I do not answer this question well, as after I try to answer it, people often have that "don't have a clue" look on their face as they say "I see". It's quite simple. I design and implement telecommunications and broadcast networks. Primarily satellite based, but can/will do terrestrial networks as well.

As, in looking for something totally different, I stumbled on a Crayola network template for Visio this afternoon, and I was dying to try it out on something... well I prepared this quick Telecommunications Networking 101 single slide course. You might have to click on the image to get a version you can see but I hope it explains it all better than I do!

See, it's easy to understand what I do! I goof off with Visio all day.....

Just Another Day

2009-02-22T09:32:00.002-05:00

Out the door into the rising light of the sun. Moving down the sidewalks, along the streets. Into the subway. Zipping along in dark tunnels underground. Into little areas of artificial light. People exit and enter the train cars and head along their ways. Cars and people moving here and there overhead. More dark tunnels, then burst out into the glorious light of day. For an instant. Plunge back into the darkness. Continue along the tunnels. Emerge at a destination. Exit the train. Follow again the sidewalks and streets. Urban pathways made of pavement, concrete, elevators, escalators and steel. Filled with cars, trains, buses, streetcars, trucks and people. Lots of people. People moving along sidewalks and street in organized columns. Coming and going. Leaving and returning. Day after day.

I feel like an ant.

Here's hoping no giant cosmic kid with a magnifying glass finds me today.

The Beltline

2009-02-18T22:14:00.005-05:00

Very mild winters' day here. Mixed snow with a little rain. Mostly snow. Very little rain. Not cold at all. Did a hike this evening, after work. After the hike, into the subway to get home. I don't know why, but I find it very amusing to stand in the subway, waiting for the train, water dripping from my coat, hair drenched and looking like I just came from? Rest of the subway riders were all relatively dry, not having walked outside for the past two hours. They all walk by but can help but look. Stare really. Confused questions in their eyes. I find it amusing, but I don't know why. Yes, I do need to find better ways to amuse myself.

The hike was good. 10 to 11 kms. Did the whole thing in 2.25 hours. Not a bad pace at all. Very small group tonight. Only 3 of us to start, and one dropped out half way. Really neat walk on a winters night with fresh snow. Down an old train line and then a loop through the ravines.

http://www.toronto.ca/parks/brochures/walks/DW_Central.pdf

Very quiet, hardly any people tonight. Didn't even need a flashlight as the new snow reflected all the light needed. Winter. It's far more tolerable if you get outside and do things in it.

Hundreds Attend Global Warming Protest

2009-02-13T15:22:00.002-05:00

51 Minutes

2009-02-10T19:58:00.002-05:00

51 minutes is the time it takes to walk from my apartment to the subway, ride the subway, transferring lines twice to get to the right stop, walk to work and take the elevator to the floor I work on.

It's a long ride. Oddly enough, it's around the same amount of time it used to take me to commute in from Oshawa. Guess I've become very used to 15 - 20 minutes it takes if I drive instead of taking transit.

51 minutes, oddly enough, seems to go by much faster when broken into approximately 15 three and one half minute segments.

Three and one half minutes is around the average length of a song on my MP3 player.

I 100% appreciate this

2009-02-05T17:02:00.001-05:00

http://muse-swings.blogspot.com/2009/02/daily-road-closures-due-to-zombies.html

Yes, you likely should not mess with road signs, I know, but it is an amusing prank.

Latibule

2009-02-04T18:00:00.004-05:00

Latibule - n. Hiding place.

he found a latibule,
a safe secret place
where the copters wouldn't spot it

Courtesy of Michelle at Crows Feet and her post re "Save the Words"

I used her same, random approach, moved the mouse around with closed eyes, and picked a word.

latibule

A hiding place. I can see why it needs saving. After all, who would be talking about their latibule, if they wanted to keep it a secret? Yes, this word was just far too successful for it's own good! Well, no more. I adopted the word. Heck, I own the word now:

It's up to me to save it. Maybe it needs a new image. To be reborn. The "new" latibule. Perhaps some re-definition. Maybe a French word describing a bull drinking a latte? Or a word to describe when one is lost but won't admit it:

"Yes I know exactly where we are, it's right here on the GPS. Latitude and longitude. See, there we are."

"Latibule. You don't know how to read that thing, give it here!"

I'm sure there's some hope for this word, somewhere. Just give me time...

Why I don't live in Quebec City

2009-02-04T17:23:00.003-05:00

Well, there are other reasons but, well, great place to visit....in the summer ;) I was forwarded these pics from a coworker. Self explanatory really...

First Light

2009-01-29T20:04:00.001-05:00

Well, I'll have to get myself a copy, but did want to mention that Michelle over at Crow's Feet has had her book published. Congrat's Michelle!

Brilliant

2009-01-29T17:23:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA

Sunday is for Painting

2009-01-25T15:08:00.001-05:00

I'm stealing Petra's Sunday tagline and altering it a bit. Actually, my youngest wanted to paint and didn't want to paint alone, so I tried to create something. I'll share my creation here:

Never lose hope!

Something Personal

2009-01-22T20:36:00.002-05:00

I'm thinking it's high time I again blog something personal. Trying to think of what, but how about I just share something?

How about my favorite times of day (outside of dinner time ;)

Dawn & Dusk

Dawn:
Darkness gradually giving way to light. Creeping slowly from the eastern horizon. Light gradually increasing. Gray images arising from the surrounding earth. A hint of colour in the sky as stars fade away into memories. Light building brightly and dawn breaks across the horizon. Blazingly bright red sun crests the horizon. The sun loses it's red and becomes intensely white. Colours burst forth from the gray. Definition and clarity. Birds twitter, animals rejoice. A new day! Promise.

Hope.

Dusk:
Quietly the day fades away. Colours fade to reds, then gray as the sun gives up and drifts below the horizon. Nature - still, quiet. Slowly light fades from the west as darkness seeps in from the east. The air cools. Planets jump out to dot the sky as stars slowly awake, fading gradually into view. Light lingers in the western sky. Faint as the memories of the day. A universe appears in the sky, stars numbering in the millions. Galaxies and other worlds, yet here, all quiet and calm.

Peace.

I'm really looking forward to the summer and camping.

Conflict

2009-01-22T20:16:00.002-05:00

Watching the Foo Fighters in concert on Much. Really like that band. One of the lyrics in "The Best of You" caught my attention ( as lyrics often do)

I was too weak to give in
Too strong to lose

Caught my mind how apt a description of conflict this often is.

Perspective

2009-01-20T19:32:00.004-05:00

Sometimes things are all a matter of perspective. How we look at them. How we feel or where we are when we look at them. The grass looks greener on the other side. If only I had that job or that thing. Whatever it is, perspective plays a big part. Sometimes we get that job, that thing. We end up on the other side, only to find it's just grass, and the grass now looks just as green or greener where we came from. Take these photos of some signs I took for example.

The perspective on the top photo is just of a sign that does not make a lot of sense. The second photo is a similar sign, but with the items in the background, resembles more the way a restaurant might treat a single adult. LOL

OK. Alright. I have a sad sense of humour. I admit it.

Spring is almost here!

2009-01-19T16:26:00.004-05:00

Here's an e-mail I was sent today. It seems fitting, maybe as I just finished shoveling out the drive once again...

-----------------------------------

SPRING IS HERE...

Winter is almost over and we can see the deer wandering around now.

Inaguration Crazy

2009-01-18T09:36:00.008-05:00

Washington's gone wild. Practice procession runs, closed streets, lots of hype. All around next Tuesday.

I just left there yesterday. Did have a chance to take a walk and see some of the stuff being set up.

First I had a chat with the man himself. Gave him some ideas about foreign policy. Told him to be nice to Canadians:

Then I walked along the set-up by the Lincoln memorial

On this stage, and around various places in the mall area, they have set up giant video displays:

Here's the view out from center stage:

There are porta-potties everywhere. 5000 in total apparently. I hope it gets a lot warmer for them, as these porta-potties are all frozen solid. Think their capacity could be a bit limited....

And one last shot, with Capital Hill in the distance: